-The Forty Eight Periods – The Cusp of Exposure-

“Exposure”

Leo-Virgo Cusp

August 19 – August 25

Zodiac Position: Approximately 27’ Leo – 3’ Virgo

Season: Late Summer

Element: Fire/Earth

Ruler: The Sun/Mercury

Symbol: The Lion/The Virgin

Mode: Intuition/Sensation/Thought

Strengths:

• Self-Contained
• Observant
• Flamboyant

Weaknesses:

• Narcissistic
• Secretive
• Non-sharing

 

The Leo-Virgo cusp is an admixture of the fifth sign of the zodiac, Leo, and the sixth sign of the zodiac, Virgo.  This cusp can be likened to the period around thirty-five years of age in the human life and also to the actual time of year at which it occurs – the winding down of summer in the northern hemisphere.  During this period of the year, grass must be cut to make hay for the winter, some vegetables harvested and others prepared for harvesting.  The days grow shorter and the nights longer, fall approaches and vacation time is almost over.  In human development, at the age of thirty-five, adulthood is in full swing.  This is a period in which the theme of Exposure figures prominently – particularly in terms of personal development, career and family life.  At this time an individual may discover and perhaps reveal to others secret or undiscovered parts of one’s personality.  In doing so, new sources of power may be accessed while a sense of identity is strengthened.  Both sexes reevaluate their marriages or ongoing relationships, and wish to bring hidden matters out in the open for discussion.  Unattached individuals may seek to define a more meaningful living situation for themselves.

 

Those born on the Leo-Virgo cusp are an interesting blend of introvert and extrovert.  Leo-Virgo people combine the practical, earthy qualities of Virgo with more intuitive, fiery traits of Leo, producing quietly inspired individuals who keep their light within.  Some Leo-Virgos give a muted, almost nondescript first impression while concealing more flamboyant tendencies; others come across an exhibitionistic but are actually sensitive, private types.  They may hide certain personal qualities, or facts about themselves for years, but their inner flamboyance will break out periodically in even the most introverted of those born in this period when one day they reveal themselves to the world, in full awareness of what they are doing.  Many of them will come to realize that self-concealment is futile the more they try to hide, the more the world seems to take notice of them.  By aiming to be more transparent, letting others see what they really are instead of hiding, Leo-Virgos will even out some of their swings between introverted and extroverted behavior.

 

Leo-Virgos born in unremarkable surroundings, or at the bottom of the social ladder, can be late starters in the struggle to move up in the world.  Even once they get going; it is only through tremendous tenacity and willpower that they can maintain their momentum.  Indeed, many born in this week can succumb to their worst fear, a life of boredom and mediocrity.  Their belief in themselves is often inversely proportionate to the world’s belief in them; just when they are gaining self-confidence, in other words, others take less notice of them.

 

While applause is not crucial to Leo-Virgos, who do not need attention in the same way as many born in other periods of the year, no matter how quiet or self-contained Leo-Virgos may be, they have a burning sense of their own worth.  It is characteristic of them not to reveal the truth about themselves or show their real inner feelings until they get to where they are headed, socially or professionally.  In fact, this desire to divulge, to share, can be the fuel that powers their drive toward a goal.  Those who do not reach the top and have carried lifelong secrets are prone to be found out, but usually through their own statements and behavior.  This tendency can be viewed as a strange blend of narcissism and masochism, of self-indulgence and punishment.

 

Those born on the Cusp of Exposure are often outstanding observers and judges of character.  They know how to watch, silently, without drawing attention to themselves.  Further, they are often good at recording their impressions in thought or word, and at expressing them later after long periods of rethinking.  Their associates and co-workers will often come to depend on their memory, judgment and objectivity.  When able to achieve emotional stability, Leo-Virgos can be dependable and reliable friends.

 

Leo-Virgos who use concealment and revelation alternately, as weapons or as ploys to get their way, must come to realize the childishness and non-productivity of such games.  Often the solution to such problems comes when they meet just one person, or a few, who can accept them exactly as they are; through acceptance, love and trust, they can eliminate the need for hide-and-seek.  Emotional immaturity may plague those born on this cusp until they fully accept the challenges of growing up.

 

People who like mysteries and detective work will like Leo-Virgos, and those who take the trouble to understand them will be richly awarded.  Although Leo-Virgos do not deeply need appreciation, kudos or flattery, they do cry out for understanding.  This silent call is heard only by those sensitive enough to take notice, on a deep level, of those born on the Cusp of Exposure.

 

Trust is obviously a big issue for those born on the Cusp of Exposure: their friends must be trustworthy enough to keep their secrets, and their lovers must be trusted to be faithful.  Those born in this week do not easily attach their passion and affection to someone.  If betrayed by a friend or lover, a Leo-Virgo may suffer emotional collapse.

 

Characteristically, Leo-Virgos form long lasting relationships with those who first penetrate their shield of mystery.  Those who can accept the fully revealed Leo-Virgos, continuing to like them even after they show more of themselves, become their closest, lifelong friends and partners.  Leo-Virgos may not make the best parents or the best children.  Their private nature can make intergenerational sharing difficult or impossible.  There may well be a family member, however, a cousin or sibling, to whom they periodically open their hearts and with whom they share their secret worlds.  Such peers are valuable role models for possible mates later in life; indeed, Leo-Virgos may often cast their life partners in the role of brothers and sisters.  Although usually far too self-centered, secretive and unattached to sacrifice themselves for family life, Leo-Virgos can be counted on to discharge their obligations in the daily living situation, as long as they demands placed on them are not excessive.

 

ADVICE:

Don’t blame the world for not recognizing you if you hide yourself away.  Be more transparent – let people see what you are really like.  Beware of keeping secrets even from yourself.  Allow others in, to share in both your joys and sorrows.

LEO-VIRGO CUSP NOTABLES:

HARLEM, NY – AUGUST 15: Former U.S. President William Jefferson Clinton poses for a portrait in Harlem, New York, on Monday, August 15, 2011. As President, Clinton signed the federal legislation for the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial to be built on the National Mall. “Martin Luther King was to me the most inspiring public figure in America when I was growing up. He changed our country through his eloquence, through his courage, through his belief in nonviolence. If the world were as committed now as he was then to social change through active nonviolence we’d all feel a lot better about our future. He was our generation’s Ghandi, our generation’s Mandela. And I was thrilled to be able to do it [sign the legislation] knowing that the monument would be on the Mall because “The I Have A Dream” speech that he gave on August 28th 1963 was the most important speech given by an American in my lifetime about America at home.” (Photo by Nikki Kahn/The Washington Post)

U.S. President Bill Clinton is not an easy personality to fathom.  Characteristic of those born on the Cusp of Exposure, he chooses to hide or reveal just as much as suits him at the time.  Although an intensely private person, he gives the impression of extreme sociability and openness but in fact my keep much to himself.  An observer, Clinton has learned much in life from watching and waiting, rather than heedlessly plunging in headfirst.  Thoughtful, he knows when to compromise and even how to baffle his opponents by adopting their own stance rather than opposing them.  Even when neglected or overlooked in his youth, Clinton, like other Leo-Virgos, carried within him a burning sense of his own importance, which he knew one day he would impress the world.

When liberated woman Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel opened her first shop in Paris in 1914, she filled it with unisex clothes made from army-navy materials, an innovation that was at least 50 years ahead of its time.  When she launched Channel No. 5 perfume in 1921, she was gain in the forefront.  The point is that Chanel did manage to put sex appeal in a bottle and sell it – on her own terms and in her own way.  Chanel never made a fashion statement just for the sake of making it or because she needed to.  Patiently, she would wait until she had something significant to say – like many Leo-Virgos Chanel was never in any hurry to show her stuff and in fact lived to be 88 years old.

Before Sean Connery started as an actor, he had been a coffin-polisher, swimsuit model and bodybuilder, representing Scotland in the Mr. Universe contest (1950).  His first acting job, in the chorus of the London production of South Pacific (1951), led to small and medium parts in repertory, tv and film.  But it wasn’t until 1962 that Connery reached prominence as James Bond in Dr. No.  His wit, charm and virility brought him instant stardom – and he went on to make six other Bond films.  But over the years Connery wasn’t satisfied with his constant identification as the sexy-spy Bond character.  Characteristically a Leo-Virgo, he knew he had much more to offer as an actor.  Using his superstar power, he carefully chose a wider range or roles – gradually establishing himself as a well-rounder performer in such films as The Name of the Rose (1986 – British film academy award), The Untouchables (1987 – Best Supporting Actor Oscar) and The Hunt for Red October (1990).  Connery knew that eventually he’d be recognized as the versatile artist he truly is.