THE REAL GLOW UP

 

All over social media, I’ve seen astrologers and other readers say that “this is the year for Leo — the glow-up is for Leo.” As a Leo, I’m hype and here for it. As an astrologer, I’m also managing my expectations. Jupiter enters our sign in July, and that will absolutely feel like a glow-up. But until then, we have work to do.

Jupiter is transiting the sign of Cancer during the first half of the year — the sign that precedes Leo on the zodiac wheel — forcing all Leos to do a deep dive, go within, and connect with Source. Much of 2025 felt like isolation for many Leos who were navigating feelings of melancholy, building spiritual practices, and working through inner fears and anxieties.

If that was you, Lion, you’ve grown from the inside out. You’ve acquired greater awareness of your internal workings and expanded your intuition. Jupiter has served as a torch through the darkness of your subconscious mind, revealing precious gems, stones, and wisdom that lie within you. Having gained such insights, you will be poised for ascension when Jupiter ingresses your sign later this year. But you’ll need to get your other affairs in order in the meantime.

In fact, the year begins with plenty to do — doctor appointments, annual checkups, project launches, health regimens, ongoing responsibilities, and everything in between. A traveling caravan of planets moving through Capricorn (Mars, Venus, Mercury, and the Sun) will keep your plate full, ensuring you hit the ground running in the new year.

Eventually, relationship matters will take on greater focus too, as Pluto brings a transformative tone to connections with others (i.e., close friends, romantic ties, family member, etc.), and with important mergers, partnerships, and new contracts. Winter eclipses usher in a new relationship beginning with a Solar Eclipse on February 17, while financial dealings and potential agreements are finalized with the Lunar Eclipse on March 3.

Mercury will be retrograde during the last month of winter, however, bringing hiccups and back-and-forth regarding partnerships, intimate affairs, and joint ventures (retrograde planets create the optical illusion of orbiting the Sun backward — a symbolic invitation to retrace our steps.) Delays may last until early spring, demanding patience and flexibility. But spring does bring a steadier pace.

You remain busy in the meantime with potential travel, higher learning, and new opportunities that could lead to career growth and social engagements. Saturn and Neptune — the heavy hitters of the year — will work in tandem to help you bring a dream to fruition. Whether moving abroad, returning to academia, launching an enterprise, or building upon personal beliefs, your aspirations will broaden your horizons and require focused effort.

Now, at the start of summer, another Mercury retrograde may have you seeking retreat. You’re on the brink of big change, potentially craving some solitude to contemplate your next steps. You might be considering major decisions or simply needing time away from the noise. Inner dialogues see you steeped in reflection, so give yourself permission to lean into this pause.

The saying, “no pain, no gain,” comes to mind as you prepare for Jupiter’s glow-up – you may be shedding old versions of yourself. Clarity arrives toward the end of July as we enter your birthday season, and you can expect to be surrounded by supportive friends and allies.

With Uranus in Gemini, you’ll begin to align with like-minded people for shared causes — possibly even stepping into leadership roles or becoming influential in your community. Once you find your people, the sky will open and the universe will begin to conspire on your behalf. Enter your glow-up!

Summer remains active promoting self-growth and development. and eclipses corroborate: a Solar Eclipse in your sign on August 12 opens personal new chapters and supports self-realization. The Lunar Eclipse on August 28 ends ongoing obligations and entanglements that drain your resources. You’re dropping weight — literally and figuratively — so you can soar with greater ease.

Fall emphasizes short trips, finances and learning meanwhile, followed by a shift toward home and family. You may be relocating, investing in real estate, growing your family, celebrating milestones, or renovating your space. Domestic matters dominate the final months of the year, with Venus and Mercury retrograde beginning in October.

Venus retrograde is notorious for relationship and financial assessments — domestic partnerships, family matters and real estate ventures may come up for review. You might be reconnecting with an estranged loved one, developing care plans for an aging relative, or renegotiating home settlements. Mercury retrograde adds potential delays, bringing misunderstandings and logistical hiccups, particularly around property and renovations.

The Sun highlights these matters throughout October and into November. But Mercury and Venus will finally station direct (i.e., begin to move forward) on November 14. Resolutions may not fully land until year’s end, making this portion of 2026 somewhat of a cliffhanger. But at least you’ll notice a shift that brings calm and relief.

That said, December roars with fun, romance, creativity and recreation. Whether welcoming a new family member, attending holiday events, or enjoying a love affair, the year ends on a lighter, joyful note — still very much in step with your glow-up. This energy will carry you forward into 2027.