When you bask in your light and authenticity, you inspire others to do the same. This is especially significant to consider with the sun blazing through its majestic sign of rulership, Leo.
Heart-centered and symbolic of the inner child, Leo’s fixed fires are associated with creation, fertility, passion and self-expression. (If Cancer season taught you how to prioritize your emotional well being, Leo season is the energetic elixir you never knew you needed.)
It’s no wonder Leo natives are often celebrated for their courage, strength and vivacious charisma. After all, in addition to being the center of our universe, the sun also happens to be our greatest source of energy. Don’t have any personal planets (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, or Rising) in Leo? Believe it or not, we all have Leo somewhere. For instance, check which astrological house belongs to this fixed fire sign in your birth chart. (Remember, your rising sign governs your first house, so start from there.) This is the area of life where Leo’s sparkly essence comes to life. Whether it be in your third house of communication and immediate surroundings, or your 10th house of notoriety and reputation, this is the area of life where you have the power to shine as bright as the sun. With all of that being said, it couldn’t be a better time to tap into this energy, so open your heart and make a wish.
The phases of mother moon are just as potent as they are mystical. A symbol of our emotional foundation and innermost feelings, the moon governs everything from our inner knowing to our unconscious mind. The way the moon ebbs and flows is a constant reminder of the way we, too, wax and wane when transitioning from one emotional state of being to another. Sometimes the moon is dark, and other times it’s glimmering brightly across the night sky. We are no exception, which is why tuning into the lunar cycle can be so grounding and validating.
On that note, let’s take a closer look at the new moon phase, as it also marks the beginning of the lunar cycle. This occurs every 28 days or so when the sun joins forces with the moon via the exact same degree of a zodiac sign. The irony of this lunar phase is that the moon becomes invisible while it’s in front of the sun, but do *not* underestimate Luna’s lack of visibility. On the contrary, miracles happen when both of these ever-glowing luminaries join forces. This is when the sky is the darkest, and new energies are seeded. Put it this way, if the new moon is a blank canvas, your intentions are the paint brush. The intentions and/or wishes you make at this time can potentially come to fruition within the next six months.
For those of you wondering when to set your intentions, the moon will renew itself (via 23 degrees of heart-centered Leo) on August 16 at 5:38 a.m. ET. Keep in mind, the new moon phase is dark and quiet, which is why many of us are often sleepier than usual during this time. That being said, don’t be discouraged if you’re not in the “mood” to set intentions, or partake in a new-moon ritual. First and foremost, working with the new moon’s energy doesn’t have to be a whole production with an altar and candlelight. Don’t get me wrong… that’s always lovely, but it needs to feel right. The moon rules our feelings, remember? Instead, it’s always best to listen to your body and get some rest if needed.
The moon is renewing itself, and this is an opportunity for you to do the same. Nevertheless, you could always write your intentions on a blank sheet of paper for keepsake, and circle back to it later on. Something else that’s important to consider is the “theme” of the new moon, which in this case is Leo. Now, as previously mentioned, Leo has everything to do with our talents, creativity, passion projects and our heart’s desires. What brings you joy? What makes you stand out in a crowd? There is no such thing as another you, and you’re here for a reason.
If anything, this lunation is a push from the universe, reminding you of your unique gifts and sparkling authenticity. And though it’s always helpful to check which astrological house belongs to Leo in your chart—as this helps you channel the new moon’s fertility in the right direction—there are plenty of other ways to harness the magic of this lunation.
Again, the new moon phase can be deeply introspective, so spending time in solitude and reflecting on what you want to manifest is productive enough as it is. If you want to take it a step further, you can always work with a yellow and/or orange candle, as a way to represent the colors of Leo’s planetary ruler, the sun. A childhood photo to reconnect with your inner child works, too! Follow your intuition, and check-in with yourself. A beautiful new chapter awaits.