Leonid Meteor Shower 2023: When It Peaks and How to Watch It

Here's what the Leonid meteor shower means astronomically and astrologically, including its significance in the zodiac

It's time to wish upon a Leonid!

The Leonid meteor shower became active on Nov. 3 and will continue to light up the night sky through Dec. 2 — however, a stunning display of shooting stars are expected to occur between Nov. 17 and Nov. 18 when the shower peaks.

This year, the Leonids give stargazers an optimal opportunity to spot a meteor whiz by, because the showers' predicted peak will occur during the first quarter moon, meaning there will not be as much moonlight interference in comparison to a full moon's glow.

In fact, the moon will be transitioning out of its new moon phase on Nov. 13 and into its fullest phase. November's full moon, nicknamed the Beaver Moon, rises shortly after Thanksgiving on Nov. 27 this year, forming a giant orb that dazzles in appearance.

Related: Draconid Meteor Shower 2023: When It Peaks and How to Watch It

The solar system is notably more active the back half of the year, with several meteor showers in effect. The Leonids follow the Orionids, which peaked around Oct. 20. According to the American Meteor Society, that shower will remain active through Nov. 22 this year.

Similar to new and full moons, meteor showers have both astronomical and astrological significance. However, celebrity astrologer Kyle Thomas tells PEOPLE that the latter pales in comparison to a lunation's zodiac significance.

To find out what the Leonids mean in astrology and which zodiac sign this meteor shower aligns with, according to Thomas' readings, scroll on!

Do the Leonids have astrological significance?

Meteor showers do have astrological significance, though not as powerful as the significance assigned to lunar phases.

Lunar eclipses, for instance, "are three times more powerful and emotional" than the average lunation that occurs each month, Thomas — known for his cosmic guidance for celebrities, business executives and prominent influencers — tells PEOPLE.

"Technically speaking, a meteor shower doesn't have exact astrological relevance beyond the following information," he explains.

"So it isn't exactly like a new moon or full moon" — which mark "culminations, breakthroughs or breakdowns" in one's life — but it still can have an impact.

Thomas says spotting a meteor shower or shooting star is "always indicative of luck, synchronicity, and good fortune."

Why? He says that "the reason people believe to 'wish on a shooting star' is because it has been said for many years throughout time that these moments are rare, thus giving someone a boost of luck."

Related: Everything to Know About the Full Moons in 2023

What does the Leonids constellation symbolize?

If you're trying to guess which constellation the the Leonids appear to radiate from, take a hint from its name! The Leonid meteor shower moves through the Leo constellation, of which the cluster of stars looks like its lion namesake: a "head" and "mane" shaped sickle, according to Space.com.

The Leonids fly through the sky near the stars Adhafera, Algieba and Regulus within the Leonid constellation. Regulus is the brightest star in the Leo constellation and is "one of the luckiest stars in the sky," says Thomas. "Regulus is in the heart of the lion, whereas Algieba is in the mane of the lion."

Related: It's Leo Season! Jennifer Lopez, Meghan Markle, Barack Obama and More Celebrity Leos

Which zodiac sign do the Leonids align with?

Thomas says the Leonids "help activate all of the energies" of Leo, which is the fifth sign of the zodiac. "Passion, creativity, romance, expression, fertility and fun" are the energies that can be felt at this time, he says.

There are contrasting sides to Leo energy. On the positive side, Thomas says "Leo energy is vibrant, expansive, and majestic." On the negative side, he says "Leo energy is vain, cruel, controlling and ruthless."

Within the Leo constellation is the star Regulus, which Thomas says has specific astrological significance itself. Since it's being activated due to the Leonid shower, he reveals that its energy can also be harnessed near this time.

According to Thomas, Claudius Ptolemy — an Alexandrian mathematician and astrologer from 2nd century C.E. — stated that "Regulus had the energetic frequency" of two planets, Mars and Jupiter. Energetically, Mars is associated with "strength, drive and conquest," while Jupiter is associated with "expansion and luck."

While Thomas says Regulus can bring "great honor, fame, glory, leadership and the wonders of the world," he says "it can also bring violence and destructiveness as well as a hunger for power at the expense of grace."

Related: All About November's New Moon and What It Means for Your Zodiac Sign

Do the Leonids have mythological significance?

Thomas — who's been studying mythology and astrology since he was eight years old — tells PEOPLE that "the myths of Regulus were often tied to tremendous success," but only "at the price of enemies who will bring revenge."

He explains how "the power" of this “godly energy” was similar to the "myths and profiles of Zeus and Osiris," having "claimed their thrones after trials and tribulations." Therefore, Thomas says there are several things to focus on at this time.

"It would be ideal to focus intentions, goals and manifestations around success, long-term legacies, honor and power," he says. However, Thomas adds that "we must also infuse gratitude into our plans and a sense of being humble."

Otherwise, he continues, "we may find that what we attain simply goes to our heads and alienates those around us. True strength and nobility retains a sense of kindness and grace."

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