Venus entered Leo today just before 3:24 am EDT (7:24 UT) as if to open an inquiry into what making an impression amounts to. Initial perceptions may amount to reality at first. Ultimately, however, (and as this Venusian tenure of Leo may well show) the real thing prevails over bling.
There are as many ways of making an impression as there are other beings to impress. Regardless, it helps to be both conscious and thoughtful.
Leo is ruled by the Sun, the most impressive object in our sky. For astrologers, the Sun correlates with consciousness as much or more than anything else.
The solar corollary to consciousness implies more than just being awake. Self-awareness is implied, as is self-expression. Hence, nearly any planet expressing itself through Leo will often manifest through your own expression (and/or that of others) to be as evident as an object illuminated by daylight.
While no match for the Sun or Moon, Venus is the brightest planet — impressive in its own right. Expressed through Leo, the intrinsic brilliance of Venus (combined with its correspondence to beauty and love) can imply self-impression, and showing off is more likely than not.
You could go so far as to say Venus in Leo indicates more show than substance. Yet, this year it’s not so simple. Venus has a lot of company in Leo — at least for the time being. With the company comes a complex dynamic.