Crossing the Bridge
This week we visited the Kinsol Trestle on Vancouver Island.
At 187 metres long and 44 metres above the Koksilah River, it's one of the tallest free-standing timber rail trestles in the world.
I am absolutely terrified of heights.
The kind of terrified where my legs feel like jelly before I've even started walking.
The kind where I feel like throwing up even when I'm watching someone do something dangerous up high in a movie.
The kind where even thinking about climbing to the highest step on a ladder makes me feel sick.
I almost turned around.
Actually, I did turn around.
A couple of times, in fact.
But I decided that this bridge was not going to get the better of me.
I took a deep breath and kept walking.
One step.
Then another.
By the time I reached the other side, I wasn't any less afraid of heights.
I had just decided it wasn't making my decisions that day.
Especially because now I had to turn around and walk back over the bridge to get back to my car.
Worth Noticing
The New Moon Solar Eclipse in Leo on August 12 is one of the most significant astrological events of the year. Eclipses often mark the beginning of a new chapter, although we don't always recognize it until we look back. This one invites us to express ourselves more fully and to trust the parts of ourselves that have quietly been waiting to emerge.
Mercury enters Leo on August 9, encouraging us to communicate with greater confidence and authenticity. It reminds us that our voice has value, even when sharing it feels uncomfortable.
On August 11, Mars moves into Cancer, shifting our energy toward protecting what matters most. Rather than charging ahead, Mars in Cancer encourages us to act from the heart, standing up for the people, places, and values we care about.
The week closes with Mercury joining Jupiter in Leo on August 15, bringing optimism, perspective, and the confidence to think a little bigger than we have before.
Current Astrological Landscape
This week's sky isn't asking us to become someone different.
It's asking us to notice where we've been letting fear make our decisions.
Mercury encourages us to trust our own voice.
Mars reminds us that courage often looks like protecting what matters rather than proving ourselves.
The Solar Eclipse in Leo opens the door to a new chapter, inviting us to express ourselves more fully and trust what feels authentic.
By the end of the week, Mercury and Jupiter remind us that confidence rarely arrives first.
More often, it grows every time we decide to take the next step.
Expanded Transit
Fear isn't the enemy.
Sometimes it keeps us safe.
Sometimes it simply keeps us where we are.
This week asks us to notice the difference.
Is there a conversation you've been avoiding?
An idea you've been keeping to yourself?
A project you've been waiting to begin?
A part of yourself you've been reluctant to share?
The Leo Solar Eclipse reminds us that new chapters rarely begin because we suddenly feel fearless.
They begin because we decide something else matters more.
You Might Notice
- speaking up when you would normally stay quiet
- feeling ready to begin something you've been putting off
- standing up for something that matters to you
- trusting your own ideas a little more
- discovering that confidence grows one step at a time
Who This Week Feels Strongest For
Leo — The Solar Eclipse invites a powerful new beginning rooted in authenticity, creativity, and self-expression.
Cancer — Mars encourages you to protect what matters while trusting your instincts.
Gemini — Mercury and Jupiter support learning, writing, teaching, and meaningful conversations.
Aries — This week's energy encourages you to take the first step instead of waiting until you feel completely ready.
A Good Time To
- speak from the heart
- begin something you've been putting off
- trust your creative instincts
- stand up for what matters
- take the next step
Apothecary Support
🌿 Roman Chamomile
For calming the nervousness that can keep us from taking the next step.
Brings: calm, reassurance, emotional steadiness.
🌿 Blue Cypress
For staying true to yourself when you're challenged or stepping outside your comfort zone.
Brings: integrity, resilience, quiet confidence.
🌿 Sandalwood
For speaking and acting from a place of grounded confidence.
Brings: presence, self-trust, inner strength.