the new moon in leo is exact on friday august 17th at 8:54am PDT, commencing a new lunar cycle. new moons are times of seeding, initiating and starting anew- and with the new moon in leo the focus of these energies is on individuality, identity, originality, creativity and self-expression. it also involves romance, children and being connected to that childlike spark within.
this new moon is bolstered by a sextile to mars conjunct saturn in libra (which was exact on wednesday the 15th). the mars/saturn conjunction confers long term focus and ability to go the distance and make things happen! if we are willing to work hard for what we are starting right now- with our own blood, sweat and tears- then we can really make something of ourselves in the coming year! with the balanced energy of leo/individuality with libra/relationship we are well aware of our needs for self-expression and independence in BALANCE with our needs for social connection, relationship and awareness of others. this is a grounded new moon that can help us align with our integrity and path of Self-mastery in solid ways.
this new moon is not without it’s activating components though! all 3 transpersonal planets- uranus, neptune and pluto- tensely aspects this lunation (sesquiquadrate, opposition and sesquiquadrate respectively). the transpersonal planets take us beyond the personal ego (which is what leo symbolizes). they bring in Divine energies whose sole focus is to help us evolve and transform! they are not interested in our personal needs, feelings or attachments- they just care about our growth. with all 3 rocking this new moon we have an intense reminder that we need to be focused on goals that are NOT based on ego otherwise we will be misusing the energy this new moon confers. the ego needs to give way to something Higher- and if we can do this we can truly start things right now that are being guided by the Divine!
the auspicious fixed star arcturus features prominently in the new moon chart. arcturus is conjunct mars and saturn- bringing his unique, outside of the box energy to this solid, grounding conjunction. arcturus symbolizes a different approach- and if we can tune into our individuality and creative self-expression (sun and moon in leo) and align that with some discipline and long-term focus (mars/saturn) we can truly create anew and even alter the path of events/situations/relationships that may be heading in a direction we are not too happy about.
one other notable feature in the new moon chart is venus in cancer opposite pluto and square to uranus. her exact activation of the uranus/pluto square was on wednesday the 15th (the same day as the mars/saturn conjunction). she is now separating from her aspects with uranus and pluto but her energies are still in effect. major changes, death and rebirth, and sudden shifts in relationships and finances are up big time! between now and september 3rd venus will make her way through cancer and then square saturn- so the coming weeks are a time of getting clear on the changes that need to be made and then making them. if we avoid what needs to be done the first week of september can be heavy and restricting- forcing us to deal with karmic build up that could have been dealt with sooner. so take note!
venus is on the fixed star alhena- which is symbolic of having a mission. the Goddess certainly does have a mission! there is a need to bring the Divine Feminine into balance with the Divine Masculine. we need to bring shadowy, outdated dynamics into the open so they can be aired, healed and/or let go of completely. we each have a mission, and if we choose to accept it the years ahead will be dynamic, intense but deeply rewarding.
if this new moon is conjunct a personal planet or angle in your chart it will be even more significant for you. for a brief synopsis of what this means for each sign check the table below.
enjoy the new moon vibes…
~divine harmony
aries- new starts in romance, regarding children or in your creative/individual self-expression!
taurus- new starts in home, family, roots and dealing with the past
gemini- new starts in communication/thinking and reconnection with siblings
cancer- new starts in finances, values and self-worth
leo- new starts in your entire life! your personality/persona, appearance and Soul’s journey
virgo- new starts in your spiritual life, connection to the Unconscious, confrontation of fears/limitations of the past
libra- new starts in community, friendship and the realization of your hopes/dreams
scorpio- new stars in your career, life purpose and public persona
sagittarius- new starts in higher education, long-distance travel, publishing, teaching, spiritual/philsophical beliefs and connection to your Higher Self
capricorn- new starts in transformation, empowerment, shared resources and intimacy
aquarius- new starts in relationships, self/other balance
pisces- new starts in work, service, mind/body awareness and health