On Sunday, August 4th at 5:11 am MST, the Sun and Moon meet up for their monthly rendezvous, this time in the roaring sign of Leo. Generally, New Moons are a time of reset, rest, and reflection. The sky is dark, so we gently and quietly look within to germinate our soil for what lies ahead. However, this dark sky may feel more vibrant than usual, aptly such as it is so solar powered! Leo is the sign ruled by our daytime luminary, the bringer of life, the Sun. As such, this is no ordinary lunar reset, rather and extraordinary solar-powered moment asking us to looking to ignite our courage, creativity and self-assurance. Feel the warmth of Leoβs fire kindling within you, sparking leadership, generosity and abundant creativity that our future and your communities so deeply require.
We hear it all the time, we are living in unprecedented times. And, honestly, with the way mid-August astrology is looking, Iβm expecting more of them. You know what I think unprecedented times call for? Unprecedented courage. Unprecedented leadership. Unprecedented creativity. Unprecedented community care. And this New Moon offers you the opportunity to spark those within you.
The New Moon makes a sextile to Jupiter in Gemini. Jupiter is the planet of growth and expansion. Considered the great benefic in traditional astrology, this giant gassy Daddy makes everything he touches BIGGER, bringing opportunity and overwhelm. In Gemini, he has really overloaded us with information. Have you noticed how hard it is to sift through the noise of media lately? And have you observed how multifaceted and nuanced truth can be? Now more than ever, it often takes days (or longer) for the truth of a circumstance to surface.
To move boldly towards our future, whatever it may hold, we must equip ourselves with the courage and discernment to wade through this sea of information. We're learning, sometimes painfully, how to express truth through much-needed discernment. This New Moon, amplified by Jupiter's expansive energy, calls us to figure out how to stand in our own leadership of truth. It's not just about finding the truth, but about having the courage to express it authentically and lead with it.
Jupiter's influence supercharges the leonine qualities of this lunation, encouraging us to find our authentic self-expression and be unafraid to lead and roar with it. In these times of information overload, our ability to discern, express, and lead with truth becomes not just valuable, but essential.
I think itβs important to relate this moment back to the Pluto in Aquarius future we are hurdling towards. Pluto's journey through Aquarius is set to emphasize the critical importance of community care and collective action. This Leo New Moon serves as a powerful prelude, encouraging us to cultivate the leadership, creativity, and courage we'll need to navigate these transformative times. By harnessing our unique gifts and sharing them generously, we can create networks of support and resilience that will carry us through whatever challenges lie ahead. Leoβs nature is to gather, story-tell and share around the fire, and is that not community care at itβs finest? I truly believe that Pluto in Aquarius will continue to reveal the absolute necessity of this type of care, and this moment in time offers us our first chance to empower and embolden ourselves towards this.
I know I went in deep there, my friends. But these times call for it. All in all, here is the vibe this moon is bringing. Imagine yourself as a lion, basking in the golden sunlight of possibility. What dreams stir within your heart? What bold visions of leadership, community care or creativity do you dare to manifest? This is your moment to step into the spotlight of your own life story, to craft intentions as bold, bright and dynamic as a bonfire on a late-summer night. Remember, in a world that often feels fragmented, your light has the power to unite, to inspire, to heal. Whether through art, compassion, or courageous action, you have a unique gift to offer. Let this Leo New Moon remind you of your inherent regality, your right to shine, your capacity to lead with love.
Way to Work with this New Moon
Journaling
Harness the power of this Leo New Moon through the transformative practice of journaling. Below, you'll find 15 carefully crafted prompts designed to align with the energies of this lunar moment. As you write, allow your intuition to flow freely, setting aside any self-judgment. Let your pen be the conduit for hidden truths as you put your self-judgements aside.
What unique gifts do I possess that I'm ready to share more boldly with the world?
If I were to roar my truth without fear, what would I say?
How can I bring more playfulness and creativity into my daily life?
In what areas of my life am I dimming my light, and how can I shine more brightly?
What does authentic leadership mean to me, and how can I embody it more fully?
How can I use my voice and influence to positively impact my community?
What childhood dream have I neglected that still resonates with my authentic self?
How can I cultivate more self-confidence and courage in expressing my true self?
What truth am I avoiding, and how can I face it with bravery and grace?
How can I create more moments of joy and celebration in my life and for others?
What steps can I take to nurture my inner child and embrace spontaneity?
How can I use my creativity to address a challenge in my life or community?
What does "community care" mean to me, and how can I contribute to it more meaningfully?
How can I be more discerning with the information I consume and share?
What bold, heart-centered action am I ready to take in the coming lunar cycle?
Tarot Spread
Below is a tarot spread I created specifically for this New Moon, but another great option is just ask your heart what messages you need to receive from your deck at this time.
Ritual Ideas
Below are a few ideas for you to utilize this New Moon energy. I recommend completed your ritual within 7 days of the New Moon. Another great option is to tap into your innate creativity to create your own ritual. Fire rituals and solar rituals would be especially powerful at this time!
Create a Power Stone
Choose any stone you like, but I would suggest Tigerβs Eye, Citrine or Carnelian. I would choose a stone small enough you can keep it on your person. Ideally when the Sun is it at highest point in the sky, but any time where the Sun is shining will work, head outside and hold the stone to your heart. Greet the Sun and ask for itβs support in how you are perceived in the world. Speak aloud all the qualities of your authentic self you wish to be perceived as by others ( i.e. a career artist, an activist, a leader for the people) and state that you wish the Sun to supercharge and magnetize YOU and YOUR stone with these qualities. The stone will become a tool to remind you that you ARE these things. State that you will be charging your stone under the Sunβs ray for the next 6 hours to consecrate your stone. State aloud βAnd so it is.β Retrieve your stone and carry it with you when you need to be supercharged with these qualities are reminded that you are always embodying them.
Candle Magick
This fiery lunation is POWERFUL for setting intentions with candle magick! Choose a gold or orange candle to represent Leo's solar energy. Dress your candle with oils and herbs that relate to your specific intention and/or Leo/the Sun. Some suggestions to choose from:
Sunflower
Calendula
Chamomile
Rosemary
Cinnamon
Bay leaves
Frankincense
Orange
Sandalwood
Lemon
After dressing your candle, speak your intentions into, stating that when you invoke itβs sacred flame these intentions will make their way from the astral to the physical as the wax evaporates into everything around us. Safely light your candle and allow it to burn through. If you have to blow it out at any time for safety reasons, simple tell the candle βremember what to do!β each time you blow it out or light it.
Lily, you are the kind of writer that wants to make a writer write. Thank you. This reflective essay was perfect for a Sunday. I look forward to the spread. I haven't done a spread in a long while. I need it in light of intentional changes I'm making to my lifestyle that will help me reclaim some lost agency and, I think, help me show up better for myself and therefore relationships. This piece dropped at just the right time, validating those choices. #astrosynchronicity