Have you been watching Simone Biles at the Paris Olympics? If so, you know greatness when you see it. “She’s not even human,” I’ve heard several people say of the world’s most decorated gymnast – who’s been wowing star-studded crowds. And on Tuesday, Biles clinched her fifth Olympic gold medal as she triumphantly returned to the women’s gymnastics team final, reinforcing her status as one of the world’s greatest athletes – three years after abruptly withdrawing from the same event at the Tokyo Games.
Three years ago, the gravity-defying gymnast was suffering from something known as the “twisties,” in which she lost her spatial awareness while performing high-difficulty moves. Her decision to drop out to avoid serious injury was criticized by many, who thought she should just “tough it out” for the team.
I looked at Biles’ transits for July-Aug. 2021 – and was amazed to see that hazy, dreamy Neptune was exactly conjunct her Pisces Sun! No wonder she was unable to judge distances clearly. What a blessing that she listened to her intuition, rested for a while, got back to her workouts after the transit passed and rejoined the team in time for Paris. She recognized her (temporary) limitations, and honored them.
The colorful, take-a-bow Leo New Moon at 12 degrees of that fiery sign (Aug. 4, 4:13 a.m.) is happening during the Paris Games, which run from July 24 – Aug. 28. This New Moon activates Biles’ ninth house cusp (foreign, far-reaching affairs), and opposes her lucky Jupiter in Aquarius. She’s receiving the highest accolades of her career thus far – and they’re well-deserved. This extraordinary young woman’s natal chart (March 14, 1997, 12:30 a.m. Columbus, OH) is worth perusing. In addition to three planets in fluid, intuitive Pisces, she has powerful Pluto tightly conjunct her push-the-boundaries Sagittarius Ascendant, and opposite her Moon in agile, lightning-quick Gemini. Also, athletic Mars in precise Virgo conjuncts her North Node of destiny in the tenth house of fame.
Interestingly, the New Moon happens on the same day as Mercury turns retrograde. The Messenger’s backward turn (Aug. 4 – 28) is a good time for tweaking or returning to things, but it’s also wise to use caution with starting new ventures or doing dangerous activities – especially if you have Gemini or Virgo Sun or Ascendant. (Protective vibes going out to all Mercury-ruled Olympic athletes!) Mercury stations retrograde at 4 degrees Virgo, not far from Venus at 29 degrees Leo – adding oomph to that flashy, flamboyant placement. Then mid-month, Mercury dons high heels again as it struts back into Leo (where it was for most of July), thrusting formidable feminine power even further into the spotlight. Mercury returning to Leo coincides with the Democratic National Convention – where Kamala Harris is expected to formally receive the nomination – amidst a huge wave of celebratory energy.
With this New Moon sextile expansive Jupiter, we all need to take a bow for whatever we’re doing well. This could be anything from enjoying a well-deserved vacation after working hard, to praising yourself for eating better or being a terrific cat-mom (Leo). Since this New Moon also sextiles Mars, it’s a good time to get back to the gym or shake your booty on the dance floor (just don’t overdo it and pull a muscle!) The spirited energy of this lunation may inspire you to submit (or even better, resubmit) a piece of your work, if you’re an artist or a writer. It’s also a fine time to rescue neglected items from your to-do list and get them done. Just be patient with results, as retrograde Mercury tends to slow things down. And be sure to double-check all facts, figures and dates before posting online or making reservations.
At this Leo New Moon, let all you do reflect your heart’s desires – and come from the heart in relating with others. Express yourself as authentically as possible – and take any applause that comes. Let yourself be inspired by Simone Biles – once so unfairly disparaged – who re-emerged to show off her brilliance. And now she’s celebrating with the likes of Serena Williams, Lady Gaga and Snoop Dogg!
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