The Sun enters Leo III The Banner on Wednesday 12 August 2026 at 12:48 pm EDT, and will be here for ten days, nine hours and and 31 minutes, ingressing to Virgo on 22 August 2026 at 10:19 pm EDT.
Austin Coppock called Leo III The Banner in his book 36 Faces, while T. Susan Chang called it No Guts No Glory. In the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, this decan is associated with the Seven of Wands. Of course it’s associated with prosperity magic and good harvests, but it’s also associated with the challenges and opportunities that arise from marshaling your forces and calling together one’s allies and subordinates for achieving some goal or objective together — whether for entertainment or war, is not always clear. The administrator of this decan is Mars, and as a result there’s often questions of ambition and conflict arising during the ten days or so that the Sun is usually in this decan, or some other planet activates it.
I’ve written about Leo III previously, in 2025 – 2024 – 2023 – 2022 – 2021 – 2020 – 2019. The dodeks, or 12th Parts, of Leo III are Aries of Leo, Taurus of Leo, Gemini of Leo, and Cancer of Leo.
The third decan of Leo is associated with Serapis, a deity of abundance that I (not everyone) associate with the powers of empire. Serapis was usually shown as a bearded god with a grain measure perched atop the luxuriant curling locks of his hair, with the three-headed dog Cerberus (identified as Anubis to the Egyptian peasantry) at his feet, and a staff of rulership in his hand. To Greek speakers he was identified as a mix of Hades and Dionysius and Zeus — an underworld ruler, a lover of mortals and a king among gods — while to the Egyptians he was understood to be a syncretization of the Egyptian god-king Osiris and the bull-god Apis — the king who sacrifices himself for his people.
While Serapis worship pre-dates the fourth century BCE, he only became officially popular when the Macedonian general Ptolemy I Soter became pharaoh of Egypt in about 305 BCE — and heavily promoted Serapis as the patron deity of his own dynasty for the next 23 years of his reign, as did each of his successors for the next 250 years or so. When the famous Cleopatra lost Egypt to Julius and then Octavian Caesar, the new Roman emperors continued to regard Serapis as the divine patron for Roman rulership over Egypt. In addition, the Romans built new temples to Serapis in Ostia and Rome, where ordinary Romans could give thanks to Serapis for the grain-dole: one-half of the famous Panem et Circenses, “Bread and Circuses” by which the Roman civilian population was kept placid and loyal. Egyptian peasants, invisible and nearly enslaved, grew the grain and gave thanks to Serapis that their lives were not worse; Roman peasants, urbanized and hungry, worshipped Serapis every week as they received that same grain for free from the emperor’s storehouses.
Is it not fair for me to associate him with empire, and with the more self-serving aspects of rulership?
Solar Eclipse Today
However, as this decan begins over my residence in western Massachusetts, it will be just about fifteen minutes before the partial solar eclipse that day starts to become visible, and just about an hour and ten minutes before it reaches the local maximum… and just about two hours and six minutes before it ceases to affect my local skies. Greenland, Spain, and a tiny slice of Portugal get the main show of a total eclipse, although Alaska, Canada, New England, most of Europe and Western Africa will see at least a partial show. One website estimated that not quite 13% of the world’s human population, and roughly 100% of the world’s polar bear population in the wild, would see the eclipse as it crosses over the north polar regions.
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This eclipse is a South Node Eclipse, the first in Leo in a roughly 18-month sequence of eclipses in Leo and Aquarius, with the North Node in Aquarius. Historically and mythically, the North Node (in historical texts called The Head of the Dragon, represents the place where a monstrous hunger arises, and where insatiable desires must be fed. Indian astrological texts describe this place as a demon with a mouth and tongue but no stomach: a bottomless pit. Meanwhile, the South Node or The Tail of the Dragon is where the consequences of our monstrous and dangerous hungers and desires are expelled — because in the end, everything turns to shit and piss, doesn’t it? The cosmic order opens wide its vast mouth and swallows into itself enormous new possibilities when eclipses occur on the North Node — and concludes its business by flushing what is no longer worthy of keeping.
Since ancient times, Leo the lion has been associated with the rulers of nations — whether kings or grand dukes, czars or caesars, prefects or presidents, the Doges of Venice or the Holy Roman Emperor. One astrologer in the 1600s went so far as to say the chief officer of any place, be he so lowly as a village constable. The image is one who has authority of some kind in a place, in gradually increasing rank as one rises from the village to the grandest nation-states. And Aquarius? The peasantry is mostly what’s meant. Ancient texts describe the Water-Bearer’s sign as ditch-diggers and wheel-barrow pushers, quarry-men and shovelers of gravel, plough drivers and hired harvesters — the most basic and ordinary of folks, in other words. We can ask, what does it mean when the common people’s hunger grows so great that the ruler poops his pants?
But I think we know the answer to that question, maybe?
Dates to Watch
I’ve already talked about the Solar Eclipse in some detail. As is usual, there will be a Lunar Eclipse two weeks later, on 28 August 2026, peaking at 12:12 am EDT. I’ll write about that one in the column for Virgo I 2026, which should appear about 21 August 2026.
12-14 August — Mercury sextiles Venus — Make time for lightheartedness and personal amusement these days. You’ll benefit from joke books and trading funny bits with friends rather than diving in deep on the challenges of the present moment. You can do your virtue-signaling later, but focus on trading intimacies, anxieties, and confidences in private, and be smiling and gentle in public.
15 August — Mercury conjuncts Jupiter — Combine your sense of the big picture with a detailed plan of what you intend to do about it, today. You need to have a sense of the overall framework first, and then you can think about some of the details. I wrote a poem about this conjunction when it occurred in Gemini a few years ago.
16-18 August — Venus sextiles Jupiter — this is an aspect filled with contentment and peace — if you let it be that. It’s likely to have favorable and positive effects upon your mood, culminating specifically on Monday 17 August. Often considered favorable to financial fortunes, this combination is also supposed to be good luck for new relationships and renewal of old ones — make it a date!
20-21 August — Venus opposes Saturn — Obligation and self-discipline usually get in the way of love on days like these, when what you want to do collides with what you believe you ought to do. With Venus domiciled in Libra and Saturn exiled in Aries, the pressure to do what a loved one wants you do do rather than what your personal code of honor tells you that you should do, will be incredibly strong. But the transit is eventually going to be over, and you’re going to have to live with the consequences of that decision however you make it.
House Delineations
The First House of self and self-presentation is Scorpio, ruled by trining Mars in Cancer. The Water triplicity rulers are inconjunct (Venus), square (Moon) or trine (Mars). The Lot of Fortune is present in the first decan. Dark humor can be a powerful weapon in such times, but it may be worthwhile to hold your tongue in check and be picky about what words to use. Be more private than usual about your feelings around sex, death, politics, religion and other contentious topics. Save your shine and most transformative looks for private places.
The Second House of money and possessions is Sagittarius, ruled by trining Jupiter in Leo. The Fire triplicity rulers are trine (Sun, Jupiter, Saturn). Observe and understand the money flows in your life right now, both what comes from your official salary and paycheck, and what comes from the sweat of your brow in your side gigs and visionary experiments. Those latter endeavors aren’t likely to yield fruit this week — but the later the harvest comes in, the more you’ll reap from it.
The Third House of extended family and intimate friends is Capricorn ruled by squared and exiled Saturn in Aries. The Earth triplicity rulers are opposed (Mars), square (Venus) or inconjunct (Moon). The Lunar Apogee is present. You may have to reach deep into your back bench of local friends this week to find people to help you; even if you don’t trust them, you may need to direct and manage the services they offer you.
The Fourth House of home, household, and parents is Aquarius ruled by sextiled but exiled Saturn in Aries. The Air triplicity rulers are square (Saturn) or inconjunct (Mercury, Jupiter). Pluto and the North Node are present. A number of important tasks arise every day that require your attention, and taking care of home may be costlier but have results that feed contentment and ease. Find ways to make a home office into more of a showplace for your visits with clients — at the least, improve the quality of your teleconference backdrop.
The Fifth House of pleasures and pastimes is Pisces ruled by inconjunct Jupiter in Leo. The Water triplicity rulers are inconjunct (Venus, Moon) or trine (Mars). You may find you’re flip-flopping between projects and plans during a time of transition, and it’s difficult to get into the groove you were hoping for. Work on skill-building and learning a few new tricks; adopt a beginner’s mind to the things that you don’t know how to do yet.
The Sixth House of daily routines, pets, and injuries is Aries, ruled by squaring and exiled Mars in Cancer. The Fire triplicity rulers are present (Saturn) or trine (Sun, Jupiter). Neptune and exiled Saturn are present but retrograde. Daily routines need to be broken up and divided into neat piles for real achievement and success, but the source of your direction from a team leader may be delayed by outer circumstances. You may also find it’s difficult to direct your team when you don’t know what they’re supposed to do. Look back at your notes (you do take daily notes, right? IF not, now’s a good time to start… you’ll need them over the next 13 years).
The Seventh House of spouse, peer partners, and rivals is Taurus, ruled by inconjunct Venus in Libra. The Earth triplicity rulers are inconjunct (Venus), square (Moon) and sextile (Mars). Your spouse or significant other is likely to lean into comfort and luxury, but it’s good idea to remind them that budgets and spending limits exist. The discussion may not go well, but it will be better than the worse bills in a few months.
The Eighth House of obligation, duty and legacy is Gemini, ruled by sextiled Mercury in Leo. The Air triplicity rulers are sextile but exiled (Saturn), or sextile (Mercury, Jupiter). Uranus is present. Professional obligations will put you on stage, but the actual work of your hands may face some challenges and new directions. The aforementioned conversation between you and spouse or significant other (or business partner) may result in a reorganization of your chart of responsibilities.
The Ninth House of higher learning and long-distance travel is Cancer, ruled by the inconjunct Moon in Leo. The Water triplicity rulers are present but exiled (Mars), inconjunct (Moon). and square (Venus). The Lunar Perigee is present. A lackadaisical dynamic hangs over all efforts to learn; travel plans may become stymied by circumstances beyond your control: plan to make small daily overland progressions towards your objectives rather than non-stop flights. Don’t reveal too much of your itinerary at once.
The Tenth House of career and professional reputation is Leo, ruled by the domiciled Sun. The Fire triplicity rulers are present (Sun, Jupiter) and trine but exiled (Saturn). Mercury, the Moon, and the South Node are also present. Professional roles, career, and reputational issues are likely to take center-stage this week… and also bring delays that prevent the curtain from rising. Be focused on both the big picture as well as key details. Know that it will be hard to bring together the full team membership needed to achieve your objectives or goals — work as best you can around those limitations.
The Eleventh House of friends, associates, and allies is Virgo, ruled by inconjunct Mercury in Leo. The Earth triplicity rulers are inconjunct (Venus, Moon) or sextile (Mars). You may be well placed to help a friend out of a travel snafu, or to provide technical support to get over a hurdle around learning new skills. Try to be hands-on and in-person where you can, but remember that people learn better if they do the work themselves; be a hand-holder, not a tool-holder, for them.
The Twelfth House of both obstacles and opportunities is Libra, ruled by domiciled Venus. The Air triplicity rulers are opposed and exiled (Saturn), or sextile (Jupiter, Mercury). It’s not possible to buy everything in every market, and it would be unjust to try to do so anyway — as it would deprive everyone else of needed opportunities. However, you may find yourself wanting considerably more than you can have. Make judicious choices, therefore, in the markets that interest and excite you, and be adroit in navigating the negotiating table: know what you want, as well as what you can afford to pay for.
Horoscopes by Rising Sign
Decan I of any sign (usually covering the 21st of the month to the first of the following month) is free to all visitors; Decan II is only available to Patreon and Ko-Fi.com subscribers; and Decan III is available to Patreon, Ko-Fi, and MailChimp subscribers.
I recommend reading your Sun sign, Moon sign, and Rising sign for best results. I write them with rising sign in mind, but several people have told me they find that they do better with all three.
Scorpio: Oh, the places you’ll go if you have the time: it may be worth connecting in person with a parent or with a child, and establishing some habits around your work in the garden. Your professional labors may come to a tedious stopping point: laid off or stuck in a contractual bind, it’s hard to say — but expect some gloomy discussions in the workplace. Look at your long-term goals, and figure out how to work toward those expectations.
Sagittarius: A great deal of your focus and attention will be spent on travel and personal discovery this week, but you may find that much of that must pivot away from personal entertainment and more toward logistics and management of key resources. It will be difficult not to cause difficulty for a spouse or significant other, but friends and allies will be more than generous with their time and energy. Local affairs will require more of you than you desire.
Capricorn: You probably have strong personal rules around what sort of work gets done at home, and what sort of work never leaves the office — and it will feel like there are good reasons to bend or break those rules this week. However, before you do so, check in with both a colleague and a manager about that, and let them know your thought process and intentions. Maybe there are bonuses, not just for you but colleagues, at risk; maybe there are other incentives or deadlines in play. However, it may be inadvisable for you to break your norms even if you feel like it’s worthy this week — and the reason is likely to be learned from one conversation with a spouse or significant other. Have that talk first.
Aquarius: No-one is more fully embedded in local gossip than the ones who have the least to lose and the most to gain — and yet you’re likely to be either a key storyteller (or whistleblower) in the current situation though you have much to lose and little to gain from how the story comes out. Nonetheless, it’s worthwhile to consider what the truth of the matter is, and to be hungry for how truth untangles the most convoluted knots and plots. If other people insist on putting you on the stage, speak from a place of contentment and peace in knowing that the facts are more worthwhile than your opinion about what they mean.
Pisces: It’s easy to seek pleasure and happiness this week in what you do on a daily basis, but you can probably count on some of those efforts to enjoy yourself to go a little off the rails — and for some of your more work-related projects to need major surgery to keep those babies breathing. All eyes will look to you to solve certain problems, both in detail and with the big picture in mind, so be sure you consider how your work interfaces with other teams before you re-assign certain tasks to your shared subordinates. Be just and fair in how you parcel out the labor — your creative team can work wonders across the network; this is not the time to make your best people go it alone.
Aries: Hardships at home may bring you more work than you like, and there’s a chilly attitude that seems to be drenching your parade these days. But it’s worth asking if you’re the source of the chill, and if this downpour is something you brought on yourself. Sometimes it’s fun to call all of your allies and friends to your side to witness how things have gotten wet and ruined. But the reality is that it’s more fun to see the rain turn to dew and mist in the bright sunlight. Try to enjoy the storm enough to dance in the long rain delay that halts other plans.
Taurus: Some focus on your partner, and the trinkets they admire and choose, would go a long way toward stabilizing your plans and goals for the next ten days. You’re likely to wind up as “cruise director” at least in part because you’re reluctant to let others set the home agenda — but you may also find that being in charge brings both irritation and contentment: accept the role of overall leader if you must, but remember to build a delightful home for yourself in the middle of the current delays.
Gemini: Some loathsome and execrable tasks are likely to make you get your hands dirty in ways that you try to avoid, as local political matters, family and friends, and personal community overlap in ways that speed you your merry way on a personal highway to hellish situations. Financial hardships could take a big bite out of shared resources and you may find yourself spending more time with close friends who care more about the past or circling around push-button emotional topics for hours. Travel expenses are likely to spiral needlessly. Try to do something you believe is justly beautiful and fair every day.
Cancer: Ambitious travel plans may suddenly go awry; keep track of your certifications and beware of learning that goes unaccompanied by receipts. A great deal of focus will need to be on your monetary situation, especially when it comes to your professional role and your compensation; be sure you think about the big picture of retirement and health insurance and other rewards — and not just the money. Home, its comforts, and the delights of personal entertainment are likely to be important refuges in the coming week — but don’t simply wave away the restrictions and limits that may be placed on your daily practices, especially when it comes to your subordinates and clients.
Leo: Professional and career goals are initially highlighted but then move into a holding pattern as the the eclipse’s effects begin to manifest. Your professional talents are likely highlighted and focused on, and your stories are admired for both the big-hearted overall picture and the generous ‘slice of life’ detail. But gathering the right resources and support staff together to promote and honor your work may take longer than you expected it would. You may have to kill a big long-haul travel plan, especially if a household arrangement seems to be washed up for now.
Virgo: You’re likely doing a careful analysis of your long-term plans, both the big picture and the smaller details: where and when do you want to be on stage, what recognition from which audiences do you crave, and what resources and forces do you intend to gather — for your professional life, for your community, and for your family and tribe. You may find your concerns exploring some dark paths in the days ahead, but it’s best to focus on your immediate neighbors for the moment; that’s the place where you have the most choices, where you can offer the most defenses in the most hidden ways. Getting your spouse or significant other’s input on who to help, and why, and how, could be a lifesaver — but go slow, nonetheless.
Libra: You may find you’re more balanced and attuned both yourself and your long-term goals this coming week, and that you have greater clarity about the choices you want to make around your money, your friends, and your career. Some great new ambitious plans for certification of your professional abilities may set your heart aflame or you may choose to seek out some exciting new destination where you’ll give birth to your next grand project. Focusing on your friends, colleagues and social network is likely to yield important insights, though — and tell you who you might want to quietly remove from your good graces over the next six months, and who to add. A big ticket entertainment idea may singing out to you, but I suggest giving it one more week of consideration before you whip out the credit card: sirens always promise one thing but deliver another: go see the new Odyssey movie instead.
Colophon
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If you want to read some of my astrologically-oriented poetry, the largest collection is called A Full Volume of Splendor and Starlight, available through my Etsy shop, and containing poems and hymns to the planets, constellations, decan deities, and Moon Mansion angels. While not astrological, Festae contains hymns to some of the older Roman gods and spirits from the calendar created by Numa Pompilius, the second ancient King of Rome.
I use iPhemeris for my charting software, and screenshot it to make charts. I want to thank the team that develops iPhemeris for the addition of Terms and Decans to their charts. I also use Hugh Tran‘s Physis typeface to craft logos for this blog, as well.
I use Christopher Warnock‘s The Mansions of the Moon as the basis of my Moon placement delineations, and Austin Coppock‘s 36 Faces for much of my planetary delineations. Neither gentleman endorses me.
