The big cat of the zodiac is now at the center of the stars. Leo is generally perfectly placed, both seasonally and culturally. This sign is associated with creative fun, vacations, and children, making it ideal for late summer. This year, however, there is an added complexity. Venus who monitors values, love, and money is reversing.

Venus is sliding backward from July 22 until September 3, traditionally a time to avoid financial and romantic commitments. The cultural battles that are ongoing in regards to values concerning rights of varied groups have the potential to intensify. The local Central City Opera is examining lost love, both tender and passionate, in this year’s season. We are called upon to examine our personal values and decide where we stand, both individually and collectively.

Aries - Your level of commitment to various parts of your life is bound to intensify over the next few months. You are a strong fire sign. Both the Sun and Venus are now in passionate Leo, so expect romance and creative arts to bloom. Be as conservative financially as possible.

Taurus - What do you create? What do you value? Venus, your celestial guide, the one who provides a standard for you in life, is now reversing in the enthusiastic sign of Leo. This is fun for you artistically. This is challenging for you as you revamp your value system at this time.

Gemini - The lively air sign of Gemini really grooves with warm-hearted Leo. Not only is the Sun in Leo, but affectionate Venus, doubling the fun for the twins. Every 18 months Venus reverses, looking backward at past romances and making plans for future ones as well.

Cancer - You have been making headway with family values and all of sudden, caring Venus decides to move backward. This is a juncture in which you can look back at your relationships and decide how to reinvigorate stale friendships with fresh summer air and lively ideas.

Leo - Happy Birthday! The Sun loves to be in Leo and you like being a lion, too. Enjoy the end of summer surrounded by elegant warmth and flowers. This year the large-hearted lions are asked to go within, as Venus, the symbol of values reverses and you discover what matters for you.

Virgo - The talented sign of Virgo is invigorated by the presence of Mars, the action sign of the zodiac, prompting an examination of diet, health and exercise. Other forces are asking that you prune unnecessary activities from your life, as you decide what you really value in life.

Libra - Warm, friendly Leo is here. You are the relationship expert and your guiding star is Venus, the goddess of love. She is now moving backward until September, causing you to look backward at past dalliances and decide what you want in the world of romance in your future.

Scorpio - Leo inclines you to look at your work world. The Sun is in Leo, joined by a reversing Venus, who has sway over values and money. You are engaged in examining whether your career brings you the pay that you deserve and involves you in a field that allows you to feel valuable.

Sagittarius - Mutually shared visions and values are big themes for Sagittarius, the spiritual sign that examines the underpinnings of society. Your ruler, massive Jupiter, is spending the year in Taurus. The bull is directed by Venus, who is now reversing. What is our culture up to anyway?

Capricorn - The Sun is in cheerful Leo. This cheer is mitigated by a number of complicated astrological factors. Individuals and our culture at large are engaged in discussions about values. Intense Pluto has dipped back into your sign, asking you what life is about. Answers will follow.

Aquarius - Leo is your opposite sign of partnership, providing a month for you in which you are active, attractive, and in demand. However, Venus who directs relationships is moving in reverse, complicating matters, and you are now redefining many of your partnerships.

Pisces - Warm, flower strewn days surround creative Pisces. With Venus, who is in charge of art and design reversing, you are seeking new ways to express your talents. You can examine directions in life that started 18 months ago, and decide how to move these forward.

Karen Anderson is available for readings at 303-258-7258.